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Some contraceptive methods also have important preventive and therapeutic effects.
The pill not only provides effective protection against pregnancy but also helps prevent the development of certain diseases. For example, it lowers the risk of developing cancer of the ovaries or the womb. The pill can also be used for the
treatment of certain diseases.
For women who suffer from acne and hirsutism there are hormone preparations which also have contraceptive action. This means that a single preparation can be used to treat the disease and prevent pregnancy.
Condoms have the advantage that they provide additional protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Side-effects
Some contraceptives are drugs which can have unwanted side-effects in addition to their desired effects.
Some women have nausea or headaches when they start using hormonal contraceptives. These symptoms usually disappear after a few cycles.
With progestin-only preparations such as the minipill irregular bleeding is common.
With combined preparations containing estrogen and progestin the estrogens can lead to accumulation of fluid in the tissues. In women with an appropriate disposition the estrogen can also cause a patchy yellowish-brown discoloration of the skin, particularly on the face. In this case prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation should be avoided.
On the other hand, serious side-effects of hormonal contraceptives are rare. Before your doctor prescribes you a hormonal contraceptive he will check your health and ask you about your lifestyle (e.g. smoking). You should not smoke if you want to use hormonal contraceptives because this increases the risk of thrombosis.
Non-hormonal methods of contraception can also have unwanted side-effects. For example, the intrauterine device often leads to ascending infections and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Chemical agents can lead to unpleasant irritation of the genitals (burning, itching, sensation of heat).
Weighing up the advantages and disadvantages
Choosing a contraceptive always means weighing up the advantages and disadvantages.
When making your choice you should think about which advantages are important for you and which disadvantages you can put up with and which you find unacceptable.
Your doctor will help you make the decision, particularly in the case of hormonal contraceptives for which you need a prescription. But he won't be able to make the decision for you. It is up to you to inform yourself about the different aspects of each form of contraception.
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